Scientists discover complex axis of immune suppression exploited by cancers
"ILCs are not very abundant in the body but, when activated, they secrete large amounts of immune factors," says Jandus, an investigator at the Ludwig Lausanne Branch. "In this way, they can dictate whether a response will be pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory" -- whether it stimulates an immune attack or suppresses it. These recently discovered cells come in three flavors -- ILC1, 2 and 3 -- and have been shown to play a role in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Their role in cancer has, however, remained unclear. To address that question, Jandus and her colleagues began with the observation that one subtype of the cells, ILC2s, are abnormally abundant and hyperactivated in patients diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Because this particular blood cancer can be treated and cured, the researchers could examine ILC2 immunology in patients when they had active APL and compare it to that of patients in remission. "Our analyses sug...